ESPN’s First Take is returning to its fiery self for a special episode this Friday, as Skip Bayless returns. Even though Stephen A. Smith leads the charge for the show now, it really was he and Bayless who made their show exciting. Nearly ten years after last appearing on a panel together, the veteran broadcaster is promising fans some explosive content.

In true Bayless fashion, he tweeted:

“COUNTING DOWN TO 10 A.M. EASTERN THIS FRIDAY ON ESPN. I’VE BEEN SAVING UP 10 YEARS OF DISAGREEMENTS WITH HIM. I AM GOING TO UNLEASH LIKE NEVER BEFORE. I LOVE HIM LIKE A BROTHER BUT BROTHERS ARGUE. I HOPE HE’S READY BECAUSE I SURE AM. 10 A.M. EASTERN … FRIDAY.”

First Take became the household name it is today, thanks to the Bayless-Smith duo. From 2012 to 2016, fans loved to watch the heated exchanges between the two; the program was classed as a sports-debate show. From the gridiron to the court, Bayless and Smith offered their eye-catching comments on everything relevant. At its peak, First Take was the marquee show on ESPN’s daytime lineup. It reached an average daily viewership of 518,000 viewers in 2016.

One of the most memorable times was coverage of the Tim Tebow mania. Skip Bayless was a huge fan and staunch defender of the controversial QB, much to Smith’s chagrin. Their constant debate over the Dallas Cowboys was also a huge part of their stick. Bayless is a huge Cowboys fan, and Smith took up the role of the biggest Cowboys hater. It came to them naturally.

Bayless left the show in 2016, which had caused some friction in his relationship with Smith. The former moved to FS1 to run Undisputed with former NFL icon Shannon Sharpe, which wasn’t as successful as First Take. The pair had now turned into rivals. Smith said he was “pissed” at how Bayless left, and later said that he had “moved on” from him. Max Kellerman took over as Smith’s main dancing partner. First Take now operates with a rotating cast of guests, with Smith being the centerpiece.

This is not the first time Smith and Bayless have met since the latter’s exit. In February this year, Smith was invited on Bayless’ show, The Arena: Gridiron, for a special episode. But since it wasn’t on a major network like First Take, fans might not remember it. But the Friday episode on First Take is going to be big.

Bayless and Smith Promise Fireworks Ahead of First Take Reunion

The reunion, which comes right on the eve of the 10th anniversary of their show, promises to be explosive. One can expect a heavy dose of Cowboys talk, a revisit to the Jordan-LeBron GOAT debate, and maybe even clearing of some of their personal beef that has percolated over the years.

While Skip made it clear that he’s more than ready for fireworks with his tweet, Smith has also thrown caution to the wind. The latter said on Tuesday, “I hope he’s ready. Because I’m not going to take any pity on him.”

Before the episode aired, Smith and Fox Sports had a feud about Bayless’ return being a ratings grab for the show. First Take’s numbers are not that impressive compared to Get Up and The Pat McAfee Show, which occur before and after First Take, respectively. But Smith denied all those rumors, saying that Bayless is returning on his insistence. Despite Bayless leaving ESPN for FS1, there seems to be a genuinely deep sense of respect between the two. “I would not be on ‘First Take’ without Skip Bayless,” Smith declared, back in a 2021 interview for USA Today.

“I still hear people say that you and I ruined sports media,” Bayless said on The Arena: Gridiron, during the special episode with Smith. “That we destroyed it with our style or whatever it is. … I think we revolutionized it. And the ratings would say we were pretty good. And I would say that no one has ever quite matched the chemistry that maybe God about gave us. It’s hard to find, you can’t teach it, or coach it. It just worked.”

All indications are that this reunion is a one-off event and not a part of a larger collaboration between the two. The episode is slated to air in First Take’s usual time slot of 10 am ET / 7 am PT.  For fans who had thought the show had become boring, Friday’s episode marks a return to the godfathers of the hot take world.